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The Melody and Meaning of Baby Talk – Participate in our study!
What is this study about?
We focus on how infants learn to use the melody of their voice (or intonation) to communicate with their caregivers during the period where they are not yet able to say words.
Infants can change their intonation patterns to communicate different messages to their caregivers. They can do this very early in their lives, well before they can say words or sentences. For example, based on the way their infant sounds, parents can often say whether their baby wants something or whether they are calm and content. With this study, we aim to find out whether this early skill is something that all infants are born with or whether it is influenced by the language the infant is learning.
This study will be done with infants aged 3 – 7 months old that are acquiring Dutch, Swedish or Indonesian. These languages were selected as their intonation patterns are different from one another.
Who can participate?
Dutch-speaking mothers with babies who are approximately 3 months old.
What will you and your baby have to do?
You will be asked to interact and play with your baby for 15 minutes. We encourage you to play like you typically would at home. The play sessions will be audio and video recorded.
Where will this happen?
At your home. The research team will bring all the necessary equipment.
When and how often will this happen?
The study will be conducted over a 5-month period. During these 5 months, you and your baby will be invited to participate in approximately 6 play sessions. The play sessions will be scheduled on days and at times that suit your family the best.
Will I receive anything for my participation?
Your baby will receive a book after every play session. These books belong to an educational book series, and at the end of the 5 months your baby will have the entire series! You will also receive a 30 euro gift card at the end of the 5 months to thank you for your time.
Who is conducting the study?
Elanie van Niekerk (Sound to meaning PhD candidate) is conducting this study together with Prof. dr. Aoju Chen and Dr. Caroline Junge.
The study is done in collaboration with Utrecht University Baby Lab, the University of Stockholm Baby Lab and the University of Indonesia.
Questions?
Please contact Elanie (e.a.vanniekerk@uu.nl) with any questions.